The first evidence of the Fortress dates back to the 9th century. For visits: Please contact the Tourist Office (Phone: +39 0541 624270). The Fortress, as we see it today, was remodelled in 1447 by Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, a…
Built in 1893. Situated in the heart of the medieval town. An important landmark. The 25 metre-high bell tower, affectionately referred to as the “Campanone”, by the locals, together with Ganganelli Arch, is one of the town’s most important landmarks. It…
Ancient playing field for the traditional ball game “pallone al bracciale” (literally “bracelet ball”). Built at the end of the 18th century. The “Sferisterio” is the area below the old Malatesta walls. From here you have one of the most magnificent views…
City entrance leading to Cervia Commissioned by the Malatesta family. Porta Cervese, also known as “Salt Gate”, was once the entrance of the road connecting Santarcangelo to Cervia, a nearby seaside town which is famous for its salt fields. In…
Built in the Byzantine period (6th – 7th century). The “Pieve” (or parish church) dedicated to the archangel Michael is not only the most ancient religious building in town but also the most important one. At least, it was, until the…
St. Catherine’s & St. Barbara’s Convent overlooks this beautiful square in the historic centre. This is one of the most beautiful squares in the medieval old town of Santarcangelo. Next to it you find: Catherine’s & St. Barbara’s Convent…
Small museum with four centuries of history. This small unique museum boasts an amazing collection of buttons which provide an enchanting insight into four centuries of history, from the 17th century to present day. It was founded by its owner,…
MUSAS, Santarcangelo’s Historical Archaeological Museum was founded in 2005 with the aim of preserving and enhancing the archaeological, historical and artistic heritage of the city and neighbouring territories. The Museum is divided into different sections where the visitor can learn…
There are more than 150 grottos (or man-made caves) which lie under Santarcangelo’s historic centre. They extend over eight different levels and form a complex underground city. There are various theories as to their original use – ranging from pagan…
Santarcangelo’s principal church built in 1744. The Collegiate Church, governed by a college of 9 canons (from which its name originates), was originally dedicated to the blessed Virgin of the Rosary. Nowadays, it is the parish of Saint Michael,…
Triumphal arch built in 1772 in honour of Pope Clement XIV. In 1769, when the cardinal priest Lorenzo Ganganelli, born in Santarcangelo, was elected Pope Clement XIV, the local authorities wanted to honour this event with an Arch designed…
Historical textile printing workshop Still producing traditional prints from Romagna. The “Stamperia Artigiana Marchi” (literally the old artisanal printing house) is one of the oldest workshops of Romagna. Founded in 1633, the Marchi printshop offers a glimpse back to the past…
The splendid city walls have recently been renovated, restoring the might of the defensive system built by the Malatesta. A visit also affords breathtaking views.
Surrounded by ancient olive trees and at the foot of the rocky spur on which the old town is built, the Romanesque church is reached by descending towards Villa Verucchio. An example of severe Romanesque-Gothic architecture, it stood along the…
In Villa Verucchio, the church houses a precious fresco (Crucifixion), a masterpiece by the “fourteenth-century Rimini school” whose artists include the socalled “Maestro of Verucchio”. Outside is a patriarch tree, the oldest cypress in Europe, which is about 23 metres…
In the mediaeval monastery of the Augustinian Fathers and adjacent 14th-century church of Sant’Agostino, this is an internationally renowned museum due to the rarity, quality and quantity of artefacts on display. These come from local necropolises dating from the early…
Designed by the architect Antonio Tondini in the 19th century it has magnificent works of art including a wooden Crucifix (early 14th century) by an unknown artist of the “fourteenth-century Rimini school”, a wooden crucifix on a shaped tablet painted…
In the 17th century the Convent of the Poor Clares was built on the ruins of the second Malatesta fortress, Passerello Castle, along with a Baroque church of the same name that can still be visited. Next to it, an…